Camp report: Mackey denied; Lanning named kicker

Recruit Leon Mackey will not join USC after being denied by the NCAA Clearinghouse.

The Gamecocks were hoping Mackey would help the team’s depth on the defensive line. They found out Tuesday he did not get in.

“He has not been cleared by the NCAA. It doesn’t look like he is going too,” coach Steve Spurrier said. “The next option, from what I understand, is a prep school or junior college. We’re hoping that will work out, and if it’s the prep school route, he will be back in January possibly.”

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Mackey spent last season at Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy, and was considered a four-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com. He originally signed with Virginia Tech in 2008 but failed to qualify academically and headed to Hargrave.

Stock Rising

Spencer Lanning has been named the starting placekicker even though he was 1-for-4 on field goals during Sunday’s scrimmage. Despite the promotion, Spurrier had a hard time getting his name correct.

“Lanning Spencer kicked the ball very well tonight,” Spurrier said. “Spence is definitely our kicker, punter. We have full confidence in him.”

Lanning, a junior from Rock Hill, might have been aided by the groin injury suffered by redshirt freshman Adam Yates. He was in a yellow jersey for the second straight day.

Stock Falling

Kenny Davis looked good during spring practice — and will be counted on to add depth along the defensive line — but he has hit a wall. According to defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, Davis has had a “bad week. ... (Line coach) Brad (Lawing) has been very disappointed with his effort, concentration, his focus.”

Injury update

Eric Norwood had his right wrist in a cast and still out for a couple of more days. Brian Maddox (bruised shoulder) missed his second straight day and was in a yellow jersey along with Ryan Broadhead (right foot). Eric Baker (hernia) was in yellow but was able to go through most drills.

Quote of the day

“There is a lot of musical chairs going on right now. It’s hard to see this unit come together. You have to remember, there are six players gone. This is a new team. This is not a carryover from last year. Our biggest concern is we have to identify who our top guys are, and we can’t keep them out here playing together to feel good about it.”

Related stories from The State in Columbia SC

— Ellis Johnson on the progress of developing a two-deep on the defensive side of the ball

Extra points

Linebacker Eric Norwood has been on put on the watch list for two national awards. He in on the watch list for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation’s top offensive or defensive linemen, or linebacker or tight end. He is also one of 62 players on the list for the Bronko Nagurski award, which goes to the top defensive player. ... Spurrier said they were able to add eight more players to scholarship. Scotty Spurrier and John Guerry were the only two seniors on the list, but six juniors were added: Stephen Flint, Cedrick Snead, Brandon Davis, Darantzy Brunson, Zac Brindise and Blake Baxley.

Up Next

The Gamecocks will scrimmage tonight at Williams-Brice Stadium at 7:30. Spurrier said it would be a chance to establish the depth chart. The starters will get their share of action but a lot of the action will go to the younger players.